Tag Archives: Merger

Anheuser-Busch InBev’s shares fell 1.85% on Monday after news broke that the brewer might have its eyes set on acquiring Coca-Cola.

The world’s largest brewer, which last month finalized the acquisition of SABMiller, its closest rival in a $103bn deal might yet be seeking its next acquisition target, according to a report in London’s Sunday Telegraph. Carlos Brito, AB InBev’s CEO is said to be setting its sights on Coca-Cola, a company with a market capitalization of $176bn, which would provide a big bonus payday for AB InBev’s top managers.

Dutch brewer Heineken has introduced Sol Mexican Lager beer to the South African market as it readies to confront Anheuser-Bush InBev (AB InBev), the soon to be new owner of SABMiller’s breweries in the country. Heineken said it is part of its plan to increase its market share in a country where SABMiller dominates the market.

Heneken brought Sol to South Africa this month and plans to add more premium brands to its portfolio in the country, says Country Head, Ruud van den Eijnden, on Tuesday. He adds that growth will also be achieved through established brands such as Heineken, Amstel and Windhoek.

AB InBev and SABMiller have set out a timeline for the completion of the “Megabrew” merger. The merger is expected to be finalized on October 10, the companies said in a statement today.

SABMiller’s board recommended the new offer made by AB InBev last week to its shareholders.

One contentious step that will take place in the process is an August 22 court hearing in Britain to determine a proposal made by SABMiller that its shareholders be split into two classes, with each class needing to approve the terms.

SABMiller’s board will recommend its shareholders accept the final offer of £45 per share made by AB InBev on Tuesday, the company said on Friday, ending a week of intrigue on the future of the beer industry’s biggest merger.

The merger, which is valued at £79bn ($104.89bn), still has to be voted on by shareholders.

Anheuser-Busch InBev’s (AB InBev) $103.4bn acquisition of its smaller rival, SABMiller, dubbed the mega-merger, appeared close to becoming a reality on Friday as China’s Ministry of Commerce gave its conditional approval to the deal. China had been the last major regulatory hurdle for the brewer to overcome.

SABMiller has put on hold integrating its operations with those of Anheuser-Busch InBev while it considers new offer made by the brewer raising concerns the deal might be in jeopardy.

AB InBev, which is nearing completion of the acquisition of SABMiller increased its cash offer on Tuesday to £45 per share to stop a revolt by SABMiller’s shareholders who have seen the value of their investment decline fallowing Britain’s vote to leave the European Union.

Canada’s Competition Bureau, said on Tuesday it has issued a “No Action Letter” to AB InBev and Molson Coors, essentially saying that it won’t oppose the combination of AB InBev and SABMiller, and the ensuing divestitures of certain Miller brands to Molson Coors were not likely to lessen or impede competition.

The South African Competition Commission said on Tuesday it had approved the merger of AB InBev and SABMiller on the condition that AB InBev sell SABMiller’s 26% stake in Distell Group, a major producer of wines, cider and spirits in the country. According to Bloomberg, Distell is worth $559m.